FM 21-76 US ARMY SURVIVAL MANUAL - AR15.com
FM 21-76 US ARMY SURVIVAL MANUAL - AR15.com
FM 21-76 US ARMY SURVIVAL MANUAL - AR15.com
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<strong>FM</strong> <strong>21</strong>-<strong>76</strong> <strong>US</strong> <strong>ARMY</strong> <strong>SURVIVAL</strong> <strong>MANUAL</strong> Reprinted as permitted by U.S. Department of the Army<br />
these products is deceptive in that it can cause frostbite.<br />
Some plastic products, such as MRE spoons, helmet visors, visor housings, aid foam rubber will ignite<br />
quickly from a burning match. They will also burn long enough to help start a fire. For example, a plastic<br />
spoon will burn for about 10 minutes.<br />
In cold weather regions, there are some hazards in using fires, whether to keep warm or to cook. For<br />
example--<br />
• Fires have been known to burn underground, resurfacing nearby. Therefore, do not build a fire<br />
too close to a shelter.<br />
• In snow shelters, excessive heat will melt the insulating layer of snow that may also be your<br />
camouflage.<br />
• A fire inside a shelter lacking adequate ventilation can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.<br />
• A person trying to get warm or to dry clothes may become careless and burn or scorch his<br />
clothing and equipment.<br />
• Melting overhead snow may get you wet, bury you and your equipment, and possibly extinguish<br />
your fire.<br />
In general, a small fire and some type of stove is the best combination for cooking purposes. A hobo<br />
stove (Figure 15-7) is particularly suitable to the arctic. It is easy to make out of a tin can, and it<br />
conserves fuel. A bed of hot coals provides the best cooking heat. Coals from a crisscross fire will settle<br />
uniformly. Make this type of fire by crisscrossing the firewood. A simple crane propped on a forked stick<br />
will hold a cooking container over a fire.<br />
For heating purposes, a single candle provides enough heat to warm an enclosed shelter. A small fire<br />
about the size of a man's hand is ideal for use in enemy territory. It requires very little fuel, yet it<br />
generates considerable warmth and is hot enough to warm liquids.<br />
WATER<br />
There are many sources of water in the arctic and subarctic. Your location and the season of the year will<br />
determine where and how you obtain water.<br />
Water sources in arctic and subarctic regions are more sanitary than in other regions due to the climatic<br />
and environmental conditions. However, always purify the water before drinking it. During the summer<br />
months, the best natural sources of water are freshwater lakes, streams, ponds, rivers, and springs.<br />
Water from ponds or lakes may be slightly stagnant, but still usable. Running water in streams, rivers,<br />
and bubbling springs is usually fresh and suitable for drinking.<br />
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